Hi, I’m Alea and I want to bring you with me on my journey to London. I have spent just over a week here and have already done so much!
My hometown is in suburban Minnesota, which is in stark contrast to the bustling streets of London. First landing in the UK with millions of people passing by while I tried to find my way on the tube with 4 months’ worth of luggage was quite a shock. However, being here has been amazing! In London there is truly an infinite number of things to do here. From seeing Big Ben to visiting a local coffee shop, you can always find a new place to visit.
I have visited the House of Parliament, the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park, seen Mousetrap (a West End Play), did a river boat cruise on the Thames, and so much more. Being able to see such historic and memorable sites is an incredible opportunity I have been given.
The underground train system, AKA the Tube, has been surprisingly easy to navigate, and is so convenient for travel. Although everything seems very close, a mile by train versus foot is significantly shorter. I have just started to take the iconic double-decker buses, which are a great way to see London from a different point of view. The walkability of London is a highlight, as you can get anywhere by foot.
The differences between the UK and the US are interesting to see. The different slang, such as lift for elevator, or gritter for snowplough have been fun to learn. Also, grocery shopping is a much different experience here, as the UK has stricter food regulations, so food goes bad more quickly. This means I have to make multiple trips to the store, rather than being able to shop for the whole week. Despite these differences, it’s been a great experience to embrace a new way of life.
My time in London has just begun, and I can’t wait to see what the next 4 months will bring me!